Kirk Practitioner-in-Residence

Applications are now being accepted for the Robert W. Kirk DVM '46 Practitioner-in-Residence position with the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Created in 2007, the opportunity was established to fund private-practice veterinarians who wish to visit Cornell University Hospital for Animals for three to five days per week, for periods ranging from two weeks to three months. Directions to apply are below.

The practitioner-in-residence program is open to small animal veterinarians who will spend at least 50 percent of their time with students in the Hospital’s primary care Community Practice Service. The practitioner-in-residence will function as a consultant to the students and will participate in CPS rounds and programs. The practitioner may also rotate through other outpatient specialties as an observer for the remaining 50 percent of the program, as approved by the hosting service(s).

Participating practitioners will be invited to practice at Cornell University Hospital for Animals, attend service rounds with students and house officers, and attend the weekly Senior Seminar. The practitioner also will present a seminar on a topic related to private practice management, which will be open to all students.

“The goals of the Practitioner-in-Residence program are two-fold,” said Dr. Bill Miller, medical director of the companion animal hospital and program coordinator. “Through the Kirk Practitioner-in-Residence program, we enhance student and faculty understanding of the world of private practice and enable practitioners to learn the latest medical techniques, technologies, and information.”

Practitioners receive a small weekly stipend to help defray living expenses while in Ithaca. In addition, housing and parking are provided. CE credit can be provided for the experience. Participation is entirely voluntary. Participating veterinarians must have a current license (any state) and must provide proof of active rabies vaccination.

The program was created with a gift from the late Ernest Smith DVM '66 and his wife, Abby, of Tequesta, Fla., who named the fund in honor of Robert L. Kirk DVM '46, professor emeritus of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University and one of Dr. Smith's teachers.

To apply: To be considered for the program, veterinarians may send a letter of application to the address below. The letter should describe what they hope to gain from the program, the length of time and dates they wish to be in residence, and the service(s) they wish to rotate through. Also include a one-page outline of the seminar they propose to offer. Candidates are welcome to describe other educational experiences they may wish to provide for our students. Send the application electronically to William H. Miller, VMD, program coordinator, to vet-hosp@cornell.edu or by mail to:
Robert W. Kirk Practitioner-in-Residence Application Committee
c/o William H. Miller VMD, Program Coordinator
Cornell University Hospital for Animals
CVM Box 20
Ithaca NY 14853-6401